FUNERAL HOME

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

William Norfolk Obituary

William ("Bill") A. Norfolk, age 92, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at St. James Place in Baton Rouge. Bill was one of five children born to the late Josephine and Robert Norfolk of Alexandria, Virginia. Bill was married for 61 years to the late Neveda "Veda" Brooks Norfolk, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge. He is survived by four children, Veda Lynn Norfolk Kober, wife of the late Richard David Kober, of Baton Rouge, Claire Brooks Norfolk of Baton Rouge, William ("Billy") Norfolk, Jr. and wife Lisa Norfolk of Clear Lake, Texas, and Nancy Norfolk Nevils and husband Timothy Nevils, Jr. of Lynnfield, Massachusetts. He also is survived by 8 grandchildren, Ashley and Stephen Kober, Camille Wheeler, William and Jackson Norfolk, and Kelley, Katie and Megan Nevils. Bill's early years were colorful, including being so invested in fighting for his country in World War II that he changed his birthdate on his birth certificate in an effort to enlist early in the US Navy. The Navy was on to Bill, so instead he enlisted in the Virginia State Guard at age 16. Bill eventually did enlist in the Navy in 1945. He was stationed in Puerto Rico where he survived having his plane shot down by friendly fire during a training exercise. After his stint in the Navy, Bill enrolled at the University of Miami (FL), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. While in college, Bill met and married Veda. After graduation, Bill and Veda moved to Texas where Bill worked in the human resources department at Ethyl Corporation. Bill later had the opportunity to attend law school, so Bill, Veda and their three children moved to Baton Rouge, where Bill enrolled at Louisiana State University. Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 1961 and immediately began practicing at Taylor, Porter, Brooks and Phillips. Bill practiced law at Taylor Porter for over fifty years, where he had been a Partner and more recently was Of Counsel. He was a longtime member of the Baton Rouge and Louisiana State Bar Associations and the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. While Bill was recognized in the early 1980s as one of the best labor and employment lawyers in America, Bill was more proud of the second family he had with his fellow labor and employment law attorneys and support staff at Taylor Porter. Bill enjoyed mentoring younger attorneys, which ultimately benefitted him, too, as he developed a close bond with a number of them. Over the years, the labor and employment group invited him to play in golf tournaments, always arranged a birthday celebration for him, and one very special colleague was known to sometimes help him shop after Veda died. Bill's children want to acknowledge how important and special these individuals were to him and to thank them for treating our dad like he was their own. Bill was a man of many interests including playing tennis, doing crossword puzzles, hunting, fishing, cooking, snow skiing, reading and painting. Bill played tennis virtually every week until just recently. He enjoyed watching tennis as well and was fortunate enough to have traveled to watch Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open. Bill also appreciated his time with his children, but especially his grandchildren, during ski and beach vacations. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home at 825 Government Street on Friday, October 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 19 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The Rev. Christopher Duncan of St. James Episcopal Church will conduct a service at Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family thanks the staff at St. James Place and Hospice of Baton Rouge for their thoughtful care of Bill. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. James Place, Hospice of Baton Rouge, or a charity of choice.

Published by The Advocate from Oct. 15 to Oct. 19, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for William Norfolk

Not sure what to say?





Lynn, I am sorry to learn of your father's passing. I remember him fondly when I worked at Norfolk Tours with your mom. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Nancy Richard

October 19, 2019

So sorry to hear about Uncle Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Karen Stallard

Karen Barry

October 18, 2019

Jacqueline Nevils

October 17, 2019

Lynn, Kim and I are so sorry
about your Father's passing.
We are praying with you and your family at this time. May the lord grant you peace and comfort.

Kim and David Deitch

October 17, 2019

To the Norfolk Family: I worked at Taylor Porter and have many fond memories of your Dad. He was an amazing man. You are in my prayers. Cindy Hughes

Cindy Hughes

October 17, 2019

Bill not only mentored younger attorneys, he also mentored the human resources folks with whom he worked. I've been very proud to say that he taught me nearly everything I know about employment and labor law, and I'm very glad I had a chance to visit with him earlier this summer after several years of retirement. During the 20 years that Bill served as our labor attorney, he spoke fondly of his families, at home and at the law firm. My prayers are with all who will miss him.

Belynda Gauthier

October 16, 2019

I am so very sorry to hear of Uncle Billy's passing. I just heard about it today. I am praying for all of you. God Bless.

Shirley

Shirley Norfolk Guidry

October 16, 2019

So very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was our employee relation at LSU with me. He will be greatly missed.

Evans Roberts

October 16, 2019

So sorry to hear about Uncle Billy. He was a kind man. He and Veda were always nice to me. RIP Uncle Billy.

patricia norfolk

October 16, 2019

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in William Norfolk's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for William Norfolk

Oct

18

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Oct

19

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Oct

19

Service

11:00 a.m.

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Funeral services provided by:

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

How to support William's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Norfolk's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more